Growth of Ni–Cu–Zn electrolyte coated thin layer carbon fiber reinforced aluminium composite

This work presents the feasibility study of Nickel-Copper-Zinc coated carbon fiber reinforced Al6061 composite with emphasis on avoiding oxidation of carbon fiber at relatively higher temperatures. The mechanical properties, microstructure and damping analysis of a novel Ni–Cu–Zn coated Al6061 composite were investigated. The tensile strength of coated composite and hardness gradually increases due to grain refinement of carbon fibers formation. The elongation of Al6061 alloy and Ni–Cu–Zn coated Al6061 composites are 7.4% and 6.9% respectively. Microstructure study reveals low wettability of the carbon fiber with the matrix resulting in the carbon fibre reinforcements getting separated with the aluminium matrix during loading.